The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has revealed that nine public and private institutions collectively owe the state more than GH¢47 million in unpaid taxes, raising concerns over compliance and the financial health of some state-owned enterprises.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, August 25, 2025, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong disclosed that the Graphic Communications Group alone owes GH¢3.4 million, making it the highest debtor on the list. GIHOC Distilleries follows with GH¢2.1 million, while the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is indebted to the tune of GH¢136,000.
Mr. Sarpong noted that the Authority is pursuing recovery measures to reclaim the arrears. “We are intensifying efforts to ensure that these amounts are recovered and that compliance is strictly enforced across all sectors,” he assured lawmakers.
The GRA explained that several indebted institutions, particularly state-owned enterprises, cite persistent cash flow difficulties as the main reason for their inability to meet tax obligations. This, officials warned, not only undermines fiscal mobilisation but also sets a worrying precedent for corporate accountability.
The disclosures did not end there. Edward Apenteng Gyamerah, Commissioner for Domestic Tax Revenue, told the PAC that outstanding Value Added Tax (VAT) liabilities amounting to GH¢116 million remain unpaid nationwide. He stressed that the Authority is working on enforcement actions to address the VAT gap, which continues to erode government revenues.
Tax experts say the revelations highlight a deeper issue of liquidity constraints among public institutions, many of which are struggling to balance operational costs with statutory obligations. Others, however, argue that stricter enforcement mechanisms and better financial discipline are needed to safeguard state revenues.
The matter is expected to spark further debate on the financial management of state-owned enterprises and their role in fiscal sustainability. For now, the GRA says it will step up enforcement, signalling tougher days ahead for institutions holding onto the state’s revenues.
